After Israeli air strike, Pentagon to host Qatari Air Force base in Idaho — Hegseth announces big military move

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the Pentagon will host a new Qatari air force facility in Idaho. Hegseth said Qatar has played a "core part" in securing the Gaza peace deal.

The announcement came during a special arrival ceremony at the Pentagon for Qatar’s Minister of Defense, Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. As mentioned by Fox News, Hegseth said, "Today, we’re announcing a letter of acceptance in building a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho".

Qatari air force base in Idaho

The new base will host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots and it will allow joint training exercises with U.S. forces. Hegseth said the base will "enhance our combined training, increase lethality, and interoperability". He said the project shows the strong U.S.-Qatar defense partnership.

Qatar helps Gaza peace deal

Hegseth thanked Qatar for helping in recent diplomatic efforts, saying, "You have been a core part of what has unfolded in Gaza, a historic moment", as stated in the report by Fox News. He added, "We're grateful for the strong partnership that we have, the way you support our troops at Al Udeid, Your Excellency, the line of communication we've had together".

Qatar’s Minister Al Thani agreed, calling the Gaza peace deal a "historic achievement" and said it shows "what can be accomplished when our nations work together". Israel and Hamas had agreed to a cease-fire, crediting Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles in mediating the deal, said President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

By Friday, Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the peace plan, which includes the release of all hostages and withdrawal of Israeli troops from most of Gaza. Hegseth said on Friday, "No one other than President Trump could have achieved the peace—what we believe will be a lasting peace—in Gaza".

FAQs

Q1. Why is the U.S. hosting a Qatari air force base in Idaho?

The Pentagon is hosting the base to allow joint training with U.S. forces and strengthen the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership.

Q2. How did Qatar help in the Gaza peace deal?

Qatar played a key role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, helping achieve the first phase of the cease-fire.